Jolliff’s path
- Updated: April 17, 2025
Weaver senior, state-champion wrestler headed to U.S. Marine Corps, University of Montevallo on academic scholarship with chance to earn wrestling scholarship.
By Joe Medley
East Alabama Sports Today
WEAVER — Brandon Jolliff found his way to a state heavyweight wrestling title. True to form, the Weaver senior found a way to carry wrestling on beyond high school.
Jolliff, family, teammates, friends and coaches celebrated his signing with Montevallo during Thursday’s ceremony in Weaver High School’s library.
Jolliff will go with an academic scholarship and walk on with the wrestling team. He’s also set to join the U.S.Marine Corps and will spend his summer at Parris Island, in basic training.
He’s worked out a way to do it while going to college and competing.
“I’m going to basic after graduation, on May 27, and then I’m going to start college after that, in August,” he said,. “They know about it. I’m doing this program through the military, where I can split up my training stuff so I don’t miss college.
“I’ll start my training after my first year of college. That way, I can do my sports and keep up my grades.”
He said he will be a preferred walk on in wrestling with “a chance to earn a scholarship.”
Based on his high school history, he’ll get there.
“I’m excited about it,” he said. “I wasn’t ready to let it go when I won state. Having another chance to wrestle, and at the next level, is really exciting to me.
“I can’t wait, and I can’t wait for the first day of practice.”
He won the Class 1A-4A, 285-pound state title in his final high school match and was East Alabama Sports Today’s choice for Calhoun County boys’ wrestler of the year. He was also a two-time sectional champion and two-time Calhoun County champion.
He was a part of Weaver teams that won three state titles and finished as state runner up twice.
He did it while working at Walmart in Jacksonville.
“He’s the kind of kid that’s a blue-collar mentality,” Weaver wrestling coach Andy Fulmer said. “He’ll just put his head down and work. He’s very opinionated, but he’s got that blue-collar mentality of, he’s going to work hard. He’s going to try to make those around him better.
“He’s passionate and, I believe, a good spokesperson for our program outside of our community.”
Photos by Joe Medley
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